Advocates say eligible New Yorkers are regularly turned away from a city and state program that offers back rent and aid to families

Receive the latest local updates in your inbox

A lawsuit contends that thousands of low-income New Yorkers are at risk of becoming homeless because they've been blocked from applying to a program designed to deter eviction.

The Family Eviction Prevention Supplement is a city/state program that offers back rent and aid to families on public assistance who face eviction.

But advocates say eligible New Yorkers are regularly turned away due to high demand and state funding cuts.

The Wall Street Journal says eight applicants accuse the city and state in their lawsuit of "creating an unduly burdensome and inadequate application system."

The city's welfare agency, the Human Resources Administration, said it' working with the state on initiatives that will respond to the plaintiffs' concerns.

The plaintiffs have now received special dispensation to submit their applications.

Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.